Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
B.
Dog allergens
The major dog allergens, Can f I and albumin, are primarily found on the
animal's hair and in saliva, with much lower concentrations in the urine
and feces. The source of the antigenic protein was unknown at the time of
this writing.
Approximately 2.3% of randomly sampled individuals in the U.S. pop-
ulation show skin test sensitivity to dog allergens. This is comparable to
sensitization rates reported for cats. The absence of well-characterized and
standardized extracts used in allergy testing has limited efforts to investigate
the prevalence, and evaluate the significance, of dog allergen sensitivity.
Concentrations of Can f I in floor dust samples have reportedly ranged
as high as 10,000
g/g in residences
without dogs. Relative concentration categories of dog allergen concentra-
are ubiquitously present in floor dust samples in residences without dogs,
schools, and a variety of public places. The mechanism of such contamination
is passive transport on the clothing of residents of dog-owning households.
Levels of dog allergen in floor dust of elementary schools can be seen in
of cat allergen.)
Though dog allergen is ubiquitously present in building spaces and has
an apparent sensitization prevalence similar to cat allergen, no consensus
guidelines have been established on floor dust levels required to cause
sensitization. Using other common indoor allergens as a guide, it is likely
(by analogy) that several
µ
g/g in residences with dogs to <0.3
µ
µ
g dog allergen/g floor dust may be sufficient to
cause sensitization.
C. Rodent allergens
Rodent allergens may pose exposure risks to individuals living or working
in building environments with significant rodent infestation problems. These
include environments where rodents are kept as pets (e.g., residences and
schools) and research laboratories. Rat allergens Rat n IA and Rat n IB, and
mouse allergens, Mus m I and Mus m II, have been reported from hair and
urinary excretions. Mouse allergens have been identified in air samples
collected in urban households.
VII. Passive allergen transport
The passive transport of cat, dog, and possibly cockroach antigens from
source buildings to buildings such as schools and other public places repre-
sents a potential exposure problem of unknown public health significance.
School buildings with high population densities of very young to older
children as well as teachers should be of particular concern.
